What's included in the Oaksea Globe Whiskey Decanter Set?
The hand-blown crystal globe decanter with an antique ship inside, two whiskey glasses etched with a world map, a stained wood tray, a leak-resistant gold stopper and a stainless-steel funnel, all in a gift box. The tray holds everything together as a display, the funnel helps you fill the narrow opening without spilling, and the stopper keeps the spirit sealed. One owner also found drink recipe cards in the box.
Is the decanter really made of crystal, and is it safe for spirits?
Oaksea describes it as hand-blown, lead-free crystal, stained for added elegance. Lead-free matters for a decanter: traditional lead crystal uses lead oxide for extra sparkle, and lead-free glass avoids it, which is what you want in a vessel that holds spirits for long periods. The glass itself is of high quality.
What happens if it arrives broken?
It is worth being ready for: the base of the glass bottle can arrive broken, even though the quality is otherwise excellent. Oaksea says it offers 24/7 customer service and will resolve any problem, so open the box as soon as it arrives, check the base and the ship, keep the packaging, and get in touch at once if anything is damaged. Doing that well before the occasion leaves time for a replacement.
Will it fit on a bar cart or shelf?
Oaksea gives the size as 12.6 inches wide by 8.9 inches tall, with a weight of 1.55 kg. That is large enough to act as a centrepiece, but one owner found it smaller than expected, so measure your shelf or cart against those figures rather than judging from photos. Allow room for the glasses on the tray too.
Is it dishwasher safe?
Hand washing is the safer choice. Oaksea lists the glass as heat resistant, which means warm washing-up water is no problem, but a hand-blown globe with a ship inside and etched glasses is best kept out of a dishwasher's heat and knocks. Warm water, a little mild soap and a soft bottle brush do the job, followed by thorough drying.
Does it actually make a good gift?
It is at its best as a gift, for a husband, a boss or friends at Christmas, and it makes a real conversation starter on display. It also looks exactly as pictured, which is the main risk with a gift ordered online. The one caveat is the broken-base reports, so check it before you wrap it.
